Preview: Fulham

The Dons return to action this afternoon when they face Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Karl Robinson’s side sit one place and one point behind the Cottagers in the Sky Bet Championship table heading into today's clash in West London, so there is plenty up for grabs for both teams.

The men from MK1 have lost just once in their last five away matches – a run which has seen them pick up impressive results against the likes of Hull City and Derby County.

They have also proven to be tough to break down on the road since the start of February, having kept three clean sheets in their five games.

Also, in the games immediately following the last two international breaks, the Dons have won one and drawn one – the draw coming against Fulham in the return fixture at stadiummk.

THE OPPOSITION
Fulham will be eager to end their winless run, having not picked up a victory in their last six outings.

Their recent run has included defeats to Middlesbrough, Burnley and in-from Bristol City, while their draws have come against Leeds United, Reading and Birmingham City.

Despite their recent run and their lowly position in the table, the Cottagers remain the second-highest goalscorers in the division with 57 goals to their name. At home, they have netted 30 times.

Their downfall, though, has been the amount they have conceded as their total of 64 goals allowed is more than all-but Charlton Athletic and Bolton Wanderers – 31 of which have come at home.

LAST TIME OUT
Just prior to the international break, the Dons were beaten for the first time in four games by Brighton & Hove Albion.

Robinson’s men, after a goalless first half, found themselves 2-0 down courtesy of a brace from Tomer Hemed – his first goal coming from the penalty spot.

Antony Kay pulled one back with his second headed finish in as many games but the men from MK1’s hopes of drawing level took a blow when Kyle McFadzean was dismissed for a challenge on Hemed.

They did, though, have a chance late on to secure a valuable point but Carl Baker couldn’t find the net from the penalty spot after a handball by Liam Rosenior.

Fulham were denied their first win in six matches away at Birmingham City a fortnight ago.

Birmingham nearly won it late in the game but Clayton Donaldson fired against the crossbar after David Davis’ shot had hit the post.

However, Michael Morrison equalised for the Blues just before half-time with a header from David Cotterill’s cross.

The Cottagers dominated early on and deservedly took the lead when Rohan Ince found a way past Tomasz Kuszczak with a driven effort.

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“(Craven Cottage) is a great place and it’s one of the best stadiums in the country because of the uniqueness of it.”

Karl Robinson: “They’ve got two of the best strikers in the league - they’re as good as it gets at this level. We have got a game plan to deny them service because they are that good that once they get into those areas they are very difficult to defend. Cairney is also a very gifted player who can come in off the right.
VIEW FROM THE DUGOUTS

Last Dons win: N/A
Dons wins at Craven Cottage: 0
Dons wins: 0
HEAD TO HEAD

Robinson’s two assistant referees will be Mark Mellor and Gavin Muge, while the fourth official is Simon Hooper.

The West Sussex official has refereed 35 games this season and has shown 123 yellow cards. He has sent off seven players.

Today's referee is Tim Robinson, who last took charge of the Dons in August for the Capital One Cup victory over Cardiff City.
REFEREE

Otherwise, the Cottagers are injury free.

Fulham have been dealt a double injury blow of their own, with Lasse Vigen Christensen and Chris Baird both out with respective knocks.

On a positive note, Jake Forster-Caskey (foot), Joe Walsh (hamstring) and Matt Upson (hamstring) have all returned to training, while Samir Carruthers is back from his Club suspension.

The Dons will also be without Kyle McFadzean, who serves the first game of his three-match ban for the red card he received against Brighton.

Martin has fractured a bone in his right hand while Hall has picked up a knee injury.

Karl Robinson revealed on Friday that David Martin and Rob Hall have both picked up injuries in training which will rule them out of today's game.
TEAM NEWS

“If we win this game we’re not going to be 100 per cent safe, if we lose this game we’re not relegated. In front of us we’re fighting for 24 points. It’s very clear it’s an important game for us, but it’s not the definitive or last game for us or for MK Dons.”

Slaviša Jokanović: “It’s a classic phrase but it’s not a race between us and MK Dons. There are many teams in this battle.

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A full match report will be available to view on mkdons.com straight after the final whistle.

@MKDonsFC can also follow every pass, tackle, shot and goal by following the Club’s official page - Twitter
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MATCH COVERAGE